Bergeron Everglades Foundation

09/17/2025

🚨 ICYMI: Last week we officially broke ground on the Blue Shanty Flow Way – the final project to “uncork” Tamiami Trail under the Central Everglades Planning Project (part of the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan).

This effort will send an average of 370,000 acre-feet of additional water every year from Lake Okeechobee to the Central Everglades – a vital step in restoring the River of Grass. The project includes building 8.5 miles of the new Blue Shanty Levee and removing older levees to let water move more naturally.

This groundbreaking also marked the first milestone since Florida and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers signed a new landmark agreement (July 18, 2025) to accelerate Everglades restoration. Thanks to this agreement, Florida has taken the lead on the Blue Shanty Flow Way – aiming to finish about two years ahead of schedule.

It was a great day for our environment – long live the beautiful Florida Everglades.

09/16/2025

Happiest birthday to our founder, the one and only Alligator Ron Bergeron 🎉 Your life’s work is a testament to what it means to love a place so deeply that you give it everything you have. From the sawgrass prairies to the cypress domes, the Everglades carries your heart and your legacy in every drop of water that flows south.

Because of your vision, generations to come will know a wilder, more everlasting Florida. You’ve taught us that protecting these lands isn’t just an obligation but a calling. Your courage, wisdom, and endless generosity inspire all of us to keep fighting for this fragile, beautiful ecosystem we call home.

May today remind you of how many lives you’ve touched and how many wild places still breathe because of you! We are endlessly grateful for your leadership and love.

Here’s to another year of adventure, laughter, and big skies.

Long Live the Everglades… and long live YOU, Alligator Ron 🐊

08/12/2025

Please read: The Bergeron Everglades Foundation's second formal letter to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission regarding the proposed Florida black bear hunt.

The FWC Commissioners are anticipated to make a final decision at their next meeting on August 13-14, 2025 at 8:30 a.m. in Havana, Florida.

Attend the meeting in person:
Florida Public Safety Institute, Conference Center Building
85 Academy Dr.
Havana, FL 32333

07/24/2025

📣 ICYMI: July 15th marked a monumental milestone for Everglades restoration as Alligator Ron Bergeron joined Governor Ron DeSantis, fellow South Florida Water Management District Governing Board members, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, state legislators, and environmental leaders—including the Bergeron Everglades Foundation—for the ribbon cutting of the C-43 Reservoir in Hendry County.

This massive reservoir spans 10,000 acres and can hold 55 billion gallons of water from the Caloosahatchee River. By capturing and storing this water, the C-43 will dramatically reduce harmful discharges to our coastal estuaries and send more clean, fresh water when it's needed most. It’s one of the largest water storage projects in the state and a critical piece of the puzzle to restore the natural flow of the River of Grass.

More than just a feat of engineering, this reservoir is a symbol of what’s possible when state leadership, scientists, water managers, and conservationists come together. It's a lifeline for our ecosystems, our communities, and the future of Florida’s water.

For more information, read the SFWMD's article here: https://www.sfwmd.gov/news-events/news/governor-ron-desantis-celebrates-grand-opening-c-43-reservoir-major-milestone

Photos by South Florida Water Management District

07/02/2025

“The Bergeron Everglades Foundation opposes the proposed construction of a temporary detention facility at the Dade Collier Training and Transition Airport known as "Alligator Alcatraz" -formerly the site of the controversial Everglades Jetport and urges decision-makers to consider alternative sites such as Camp Blanding or the Homestead Air Reserve Base. These locations offer existing infrastructure, greater security, and far less ecological risk. Unlike the proposed site, these alternatives would not threaten imperiled wildlife, disrupt sensitive habitat, or directly impact the Miccosukee Tribe, who live on this land and depend on its health for their way of life.

Our founder, Alligator Ron Bergeron, was one of the original Gladesmen in the 1970s who joined with Tribal leaders, conservationists, hunters, anglers, and scientists to fight the original jetport proposal and protect this sacred landscape. That coalition helped establish the Big Cypress National Preserve-the very first of its kind in our nation, ensuring that the land, water, and wildlife would be protected for generations to come. Today, Alligator Ron Bergeron, the Bergeron family, and the Bergeron Everglades Foundation remain committed to upholding that legacy.

We are engaged with state and federal stakeholders to highlight the potential harm this facility could bring to water quality, endangered species habitat, and the fragile ecosystem connectivity that the Big Cypress provides.

The Big Cypress National Preserve is more than protected land. It is a cornerstone of Everglades restoration, a refuge for countless species, and an irreplaceable part of Florida's natural and cultural heritage. The Bergeron Everglades Foundation will continue the fight to protect this national treasure.”

05/18/2025

The Python Challenge is not just catching pythons. That's a part of it. It's educating the public so that when you're in the Everglades, all of the groups that recreate in the Everglades, to learn how to remove a python safely year round.

Florida officials unveiled the 2025 Python Challenge to fight invasive pythons and protect the Everglades.

04/03/2025

🚨 MEETING TONIGHT AT 5PM — YOUR VOICE MATTERS! 🐻💻

The FWC is proposing black bear hunting in Florida — and they want to hear from you.

This week, the FWC is hosting virtual public meetings to collect feedback directly from Florida residents before these proposals go to the Commissioners in May.
👉 The content is identical at each meeting, so you only need to attend one.

🗓 Meeting Dates & Times:
• April 3 from 5–8 p.m. EDT (TONIGHT)
• April 5 from 9 a.m.–12 p.m. EDT

🔗 To attend or read the FAQs: myfwc.com/hunting/bear
ℹ️ Full meeting info: bit.ly/VirtualPublicMeeting_Proposals
✉️ Can’t attend? You can still make your voice heard by emailing: [email protected]

03/14/2025

It was an honor to host another YLB Class! Long Live the Everglades!

03/10/2025

Listen and let your voice be heard.

This week, MyFWC Florida Fish and Wildlife is hosting a virtual public meeting to hear your thoughts on potential options for regulated black bear hunting. The virtual public meeting will be held on Thursday, March 13, beginning at 6 p.m. ET.
For more information and to join the virtual public meeting, visit MyFWC.com/Hunting/Bear. The public can also email their comments to [email protected].

02/20/2025

02/19/2025

The Everglades is home to many rare & endangered species. I founded the Bergeron Everglades Foundation to protect & conserve our beloved Everglades, and the wildlife that call it home - from Sawgrass to Seagrass.

02/12/2025

The journey of water is the life of Florida – from sawgrass to seagrass, it’s all important.